Firefighters ask residents to lend a hand
By Holly Neumann
During the winter months, citizens can lend a hand to their local fire departments by clearing snow away from hydrants.
“In my mind, this is very important because it saves time, especially for a volunteer department,” said Chuck Fritz, fire inspector for the Iola and Rural Fire Department. “Volunteers have to drive to town, then get to the fire. If we need a hydrant and then have to plow or dig one out, that takes even more time.”
Fritz said those few minutes can make a difference.
He recommends cleaning a space of 3 to 4 feet completely around hydrants.
“Cleaning a path to the hydrant is important as well,” he said. “A lot of people forget that part. We have to be able to get to it to use it.”
Other winter weather tips that make a difference include making sure driveways are clear and accessible so a fire truck can get to a burning home, cleaning out chimneys, not using candles or ovens for heating purposes, not using extension cords on heaters and having working carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in the home.
For those with high efficiency furnaces, make sure pipes outside the home are not covered with snow.